No matter what type of travel you may prefer—whether your happy place is lying on a beach in the Caribbean or trekking up Mt. Kilimanjaro—all of us have fantasies about faraway places and adventurous experiences. But have you ever stopped to consider the impact that you’re having on the places that you visit?

From cheap airfare to budget-friendly lodging and activities, travel is more affordable and accessible than ever before. In fact, an estimated 38.3 MILLION U.S. citizens traveled overseas in the year 2017 alone, and more and more people are embarking on international adventures each year. However, while traveling and experiencing new cultures is invaluable, we often forget that there are people who actually live their everyday lives in the places that we like to visit. So, what are some ways that we can intentionally give back to these local communities while traveling? Continue reading below to find out how you can travel with a positive impact!

1. Stay Local

Traveling abroad can often be intimidating—it involves leaving our comfort zones and entering into a foreign world (and often a whole new language!). So, when we travel abroad, it’s really tempting to stay at a large chain hotel that has a name that’s familiar. After all, it can really ease our travel anxiety to know and trust the hotel where we’re staying in a foreign country, right?

However, these foreign-owned hotels put very little money back into the local economy, and they even put smaller, independently-owned hotels out of business. By staying at a locally-run hotel, you will not only have a much more authentic experience, but you will also be putting money directly into the local community. Not to mention that it also gives you the chance to get to know the locals, who will likely be able to give you recommendations for the best local restaurants and activities. What better way to fully immerse yourself in the culture than by staying in a local hotel that also creates jobs and benefits the community that you’re visiting?

All you need to do is a little bit of research (i.e. check trip advisor and/or other travel review boards), and you can be sure to book the very best (and safe!) local hotel in the area!

2. Eat Local

We’ve all done it, haven’t we? We’ve all been walking along a busy street in a foreign country and passed a McDonald’s and thought, “Well, I’ll just stop in here for a quick burger or a coffee.” While it might be convenient (especially if we’re a little homesick), foreign chain restaurants, much like the hotels, add little to local economies. In fact, as the demand for these chains increases, the demand for local restaurants and cafes decreases, meaning fewer jobs and less income for local communities.

So, when you’re traveling abroad, remember that a great, easy way to give back to the community is to venture to a local eatery—it not only connects you to locals by sending the message that you care about experiencing their culture and cuisine, but (trust us), it’s also going to be much more authentic and delicious!

3. Shop Local

(Starting to see a trend here?) Shopping locally benefits the community you are visiting by providing jobs, supporting local artisans, and encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in their communities. It’s really simple: local businesses support local people, which helps to build a healthy community. And, hey, if you’re going to buy a souvenir, don’t you want to buy one that’s unique and that supports local businesses? It’s a win-win!

4. Volunteer

Voluntourism can be a great way to give back to local communities. Partnering with a local organization that is dedicated to providing a particular service to the community (whether a beach clean-up or an elephant sanctuary), it’s a great way to see the world while giving back! And you don’t even have to volunteer for an extended time—maybe you use just one day of your trip to work with a community group to help clean up a local park. The possibilities are endless! (Just make sure to really research the organization you want to work with to make sure it’s legitimate and provides a much-needed service to the community you’re visiting!)

5. Be Eco-Conscious

Perhaps the easiest way to give back while traveling is simply being conscious to minimize your environmental impact while abroad. Ways to do this might include: renting a hybrid car or using public transportation, bringing a reusable water bottle instead of using one-time plastic bottles, walking or riding bikes whenever possible, choosing eco-friendly accommodations, and traveling with eco-friendly toiletries (ie biodegradable sunscreen that doesn’t harm ocean ecosystems, etc). Always be aware of what you’re leaving behind, and try to limit your carbon footprint as much as possible! After all, people have to live there!

Do you have any other ways that you like to give backwhile traveling? Let us know in the comments below!

An age-old question when it comes to traveling is “Should I go on a guided tour” vs. “Should I travel self-guided.” I have traveled both on guided tours and self-guided and I can honestly say there are pros and cons to each style. Personal preference, budget, and destination all can play a role in the decision process, so let’s take a look at when you would choose one type of travel over the other.

If travel is on your to-do list this year (and it really should be!), then you are in luck, because the new year has brought new travel apps for iOs and Android that will make your travel even smoother and easier than ever before. From apps that help you translate words into a variety of languages, to ones that organize all of your reservations into one central spot, these new apps will help you during each and every step of your travels!

We’ve all been there: stuck at our office desks, daydreaming of our next family vacation or romantic getaway. Yet, for most of us, flight prices can determine not only where we travel, but also whether or not we can travel at all. With budget-friendly accommodations readily available around the world, traveling abroad on a budget is easier than ever, but high flight prices can prevent us from ever getting there. The good news? Airlines often have killer deals--from mistakenly published fares and special promotions to low off-season rates. Cheap flights are out there; you just have to know how and where to look for them! Follow the steps below to make sure you get the cheapest flights to your dream destinations!

When you think of “travel” foods, chances are you think of fast food drive-throughs or over-priced airport sandwiches and snacks. After all, when you’re “on-the-go,” it’s tempting to just grab something quick and easy that doesn’t require too much thought or preparation. But healthy choices aren’t always available in airports or on the road, which leaves you with few options besides fried foods, sugary drinks, and empty-calorie snacks. The good news is, whether you’re travelling on a plane or on the road, there are a few simple and effective strategies that can help you maintain your health while traveling. Continue reading to find out how!

No matter what type of travel you may prefer—whether your happy place is lying on a beach in the Caribbean or trekking up Mt. Kilimanjaro—we all have fantasies about faraway places and adventurous experiences. But have you ever stopped to consider the impact that you’re having on the places that you visit?

Whether you are taking off for a weekend getaway or crossing off another international dream destination from your bucket list, the option to purchase travel insurance will always present itself to you. We have compiled some important information about travel insurance to help you make the right decision, for you, when it comes to your travel investment.

A new year means new adventures, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with the trip of a lifetime. With so many incredible options out there, it’s hard to choose which getaway is the trip for you, but we’ve got your back. We’ve narrowed down the hottest destinations of the year to come, from the shores of Belize to the mountains of China. Keep reading to find out the top trips to take in 2019!

Everyone dreams of the ultimate getaway, but many think it’s out of their price range. However, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a luxurious vacation. It’s possible to experience a piece of paradise while on a budget. Whether you long for a tropical oasis, bewitching city, or countryside retreat, the possibilities are endless—but we’ve narrowed it down. Keep reading to learn about five affordable getaways that feel totally luxe without the high price!

Traveling is a time of experiencing new adventures, connecting with different cultures, and creating lifelong memories. It’s an invaluable way to learn about both yourself and the world around you—all while having fun. But as exciting as traveling is, it can also be pretty stressful. Luckily, there’s all kinds of gadgets out there to ensure a stress-free vacation. Keep reading to find out our favorite travel accessories!

There’s nothing better than getting out into the world and exploring faraway places you’ve always dreamed of visiting. For many, the idea of traveling abroad seems unattainable and too expensive. However, there are plenty of ways to save on travel and have an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. Keep reading to find out our top tips for saving money on travel!

There’s something incredibly special about traveling solo. For many, the idea of visiting a new country all alone is terrifying, but solo travel can be a priceless period of self-reflection, education, and growth. Facing your fears and putting yourself out there is so worth it, and it’s the best way to truly immerse yourself in a new culture. There’s nothing quite as rewarding as traveling solo—it’s an unforgettable adventure that everyone should experience at least once. Keep reading to learn the best countries for solo travel!

Organizing a trip to Europe with your children can seem to be a very hard job. You have to consider accommodation options, flight arrangements, and what cities and destinations you want to visit. When you have little children and you are going on a trip with them the learning curve is can be strong and sharp.

When you are traveling you don't want to have to worry about carrying a lot of luggage with you. This is why I recommend just packing in a single carry-on. So how do you look cute with items that can only fit into a single carry-on? The answer is simple - by choosing the right 15 pieces to pack! With just 15 items (shoes included) you can create a wardrobe of over 50 outfits! That is enough outfits to last you 1 week, all the way to 2 months of traveling. I have listed all the items that I pack in my carry-on suitcase below:

Having the right gear to document your travel experience is important. Below, I have shared what I bring in my technology bag on all my trips around the world (this gear has traveled to over 80 countries).

Jet lag can be the ultimate bummer after a nice, relaxing trip. If you travel often, you probably experience jet lag on the regular. There are ways to overcome jet lag and train your body to get back into your daily routine.

Is your travel fund running low? Us too! We are still early in 2018 and now is a good time to look at your finances and really get a grasp on what you have, owe and have the ability to save. Learning to be creative with your savings is a guaranteed way to have some spare cash at the end of each month. Saving money is a long term habit and when you really commit to saving each month, the savings over time will grow. By the 12th month, you’ll feel accomplished at your ability to save just a little every month.

Airports and airplanes are germ central. The good news is, they don’t have to be! Airports are full of travelers that have been from one end of the globe to the other, making way for germs to follow in their footsteps. Taking precautions before you leave your home and again when you arrive at the airport is a guaranteed way to lessen your chances of bringing germs home with you on your return flight.

As the temperature drops, it signals that the holidays are right around the corner. Leaving people questioning: what is the ideal time to start planning for holiday, or even summer, vacations? If you’re already set on where you’re traveling (international or domestic), definitely opt for advanced booking. In the 2-3 month range, prices for flights may fluctuate but will stay on the lower side of the spectrum. Waiting for the one month range will leave you out of luck and emptying your pockets.